Foot protector



G. A. MORIARTY 2,157,423

FOOT PROTECTOR May 9, 1939.

Filed July 1e, 1937 s sheets-sheet 1 ff v7/ 72 476 65 A 45 Maig/46 a U fz INVENTOR 650mm. Mamfrx ATTORNEY May 9, 1939.

Filed July 16, 1937 G. A. MORIARTYy FooT PROTECTOR 5 Sheets-Sheet 2 72 l INVENTOR 76 65056514. Maz/Any BY Z /09 DJX-um,

. ATTORNEY May9, 1939. G.A.MoR|ARTY l 2,157,423

FOOT PROTECTOR Filed July 16, 1937 3 Sheets-Sheet 5 67 /l INVENTOR 64 ma 6mm A. Muffy BY W Q2 ATTORNEY Patented May 9, 1939 2,157,423

UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE FOOT PROTECTOR George A. Moriarty, San Diego, Calif.

Application July 16, 1937, Serial No. 153,963

18 Claims. (Cl. 36-72) This invention relates to foot protectors and. providing a foot protector which includes a pair represents improvements on my prior Patent No. of intertting shells movable laterally toward 2,017,690. and away from each other, with which is provided It is an object of the invention to provide a novel means for guiding the shells during their` i foot protector for protecting the foot from injury, lateral movement.

especially from heavy objects falling upon the Another feature of the invention resides in toes or instep portion. providing a foot protector of the above charac- Particularly it is an object of the present inter which is sturdy in construction, which is not vention to provide a foot protector of the above cumbersome and which may be readily associated character which may be easily and quickly applied with a shoe. 10 to a shoe, Other objects and features of the invention will Another object of the invention is to provide hereinafter appear. a foot protector which, while serving to effectively In the drawings: protect both the toe and instep portions of the Figure 1 is a top view of one form of the present 15 foot from being injured by falling objects, will invention. 15 not cause discomfort to the wearer while walking. Fig. 2 is a side view of the foot protector shown A further object of the present invention is to in Fig. 1. provide a foot protector which may be readily Fig. 3 is a rear View partially in section, taken adjusted to lit divers sizes of shoes and which on the line 3 3 of Fig. 2. zo when so adjusted may be eiectively maintained Fig. 3A is a fragmentary detail View showing a 20 in position on the shoe. modied form of abutment.

In attaining these objects there is provided, as Fig. 4 is a bottom view of the foot protector a feature of the invention, a foot protector which shown in Fig. 1. is adapted to rest upon the welt of a shoe and Fig. 5 is a top view of a modied form of the which is maintained in position on the shoe by invention. 25 means of a resilient connection between the foot Fig. 6 is a fragmentary top View of another protector and means engaging the instep portion modied form of the invention. of the shoe sole. Fig. '7 is a rear View of another modified form Another feature of the invention resides in the of the invention.

30 provision of a pair of intertting shells shaped to Fig. 8 is a top View Similar t0 Fig- 1 0f the form 30 overlie the shoe upper, having means .adapted 0f the invention shown in Fig. '7.

to rest upon the welt of the shoe and with which Fig. 9 is a side view of the foot protector shown there is associated novel locking means by which in Figs. 7 and 8. the shells may be locked relatively to each other Before describing the present imIOVemeIltS and in divers wide and close-spaced positions. mode of operation thereof in detail it should be 35 A further feature of the invention resides in understood that the invention is not limited to providing a foot protector which includes not the details of construction and arrangement of only a shaped shell adapted to overlie the toe por- Darts ShOWn in the acompanying drawings, tion of the shoe but which also includes a second Which are merely7 illustrative 0f the DIeSerlt preo shell shaped to overlie the instep portion of -the ferred embodiments, since the invention is capa- 40 shoe. A complemental feature is the provision ble of other embodiments, and the phraseology of a pivotal connection between the toe and inemplOyed iS fOr the Purpose of description and step shells whereby there is no interference with not of limitation.

the regular flexing of a persons foot. Referring now more particularly to the draw- 5 A further feature of the invention resides in ings for the present preferred embodiments of 45 providing a shaped shell adapted to rest upon the invention and first to Figs. 1 through 4 there the welt of a shoe, which is advantageously held is disclosed e foot protector 20 Comprising a main in position by means of resilient connections to Shell 2|, Of metal 01 Other rigid material, Shaped a novel wedging means coopersble with the shank to provide a chamber 22 to envelope the toe porportion 0f the Shoe 501e, A complemental feation 23 Of a. Shoe 24 ShOWIl in dotted lines. This 50 ture is the provision of a foot protector including main shell, as shown, is formed by a pair of intera pivotally connected toe portion and instep porfitting Shells 25 and 25 having a teleSCODihg COH- tion with a single yielding means adapted to hold nection 21 at the top. Preferably the telescoping both portions on a shoe. connection comprises a ilat section 28 on the A further feature of the invention resides in shell 25 and a plate 29 which, as shown, may be 55 advantageously connected to the shell 26 by rivets to form with a at oiset top section 3D thereof a socket 3| adapted to snugly and slidably receive the hat section 28.

With the telescoping connection provided by the present invention it is possible to move the shells 25 and 26 laterally relative to each other to divers wide and close-spaced positions, and thus adapt the main protecting shell 2| to t shoes of different widths.

Now of particular importance it is to be noted that there is provided in the offset section 30 an aligned series 32 of holes 33, 34, 35, 36 and 31, in the plate 29 a series 32 of holes 33', 34', 35', 36 and 31' in alignment and registering respectively with the holes in series 38, and in the flat section 28 of the shell 25 a series 38 of holes 36, 40, 4|, 42 and 43 deposed at an angle to the aligned series 32 and 32' in the shell 26. As shown, a U-shaped spring 44 is secured to the underside of the plate 26 and is positioned so that the spring arms 45 thereof extend contiguous the series 32' of holes therein so that when a locking pin 46 is, for example, inserted in the mating holes 35 and 35' in the shell 26 and the hole 4| in the shell 25 the spring arms 45 snap into the pin groove 41 to hold the pin in position. In this manner the intertting shells 25 and 26 are locked from movement laterally relative to each other,

With this construction, also, it will be readily appreciated that when it is desired to adjust the shells 25 and 26 to accommodate shoes of different widths it is merely necessary to withdraw the locking pin 46, move the shells laterally relative to each other to bring the desired other holes in register and then insert the pin 46 in the registering holes.

Thus, assume that it is necessary to adjust the shells to a wider spaced position than shown. In such a case the shells 25 and 26 may be moved relative to each other until the hole 3T in the offset section of the shell 26 is in register with the hole 43 in the flat section of the shell 25 and the locking pin 46 then inserted. Similarly, if it is necessary to adjust the shells to a more closespaced position, they may be moved until tbe hole 33 in the offset section of the shell 26 is in register with the hole 39 in the at section oi the shell 25. It will be appreciated that the intertting shells may be locked in intermediate wide and close-spaced positions by moving the same so as to bring into register other of the holes.

For maintaining the shells 25 and 26 in proper position relative to each other longitudinally and for guiding them during their lateral movement there is carried between the offset section 30 and plate 29 in the socket 3| a pair of spaced guide pins 48 and 49 entering laterally extending slots 50 and 5| in the at section 28 of the shell 25.

If desired, however, instead of utilizing a pin and slot means to maintain the shells in proper position longitudinally relative to each other, there may be utilized the cooperating rib construction shown in Fig. 5. As there illustrated, a pair of transversely extending ribs 52 and 53 are formed on the shell 26 to respectively cooperate with ribs 54 and 55 in alignment therewith on the shell 25. Thus, adverse relative longitudinal movement of the shells is prevented by the engagement of the ribs. These ribs also serve to strengthen the shells, and thereby make possible the attainment of considerable strength even though light gauge metal is used. In all other particulars the construction shown in Fig.

5 is identical with the form illustrated in Figs. l through 4.

To provide a Support for the main shell 2| abutments 56 and 5l are formed on the bottom edges of the intertting shells 25 and 26 respectively. Preferably, and as shown, these abutments are provided by flanges 53 and 59 extending inwardly at the lower edges of the shells 25 and 26 and adapted to rest upon the Welt 68 of a shoe. In addition to serving as supporting means the flanges may also serve as a gripping means to engage between the welt and the shoe upper. However, as shown, spaced lugs 6| may advantageously be formed to extend inwardly from the flanges 58 and 58 to grip the shoe and to provide additional means for supporting the protector 28 on the shoe.

While the flange type abutment is preferred, a modified abutment 62 may be provided by curving slightly inwardly the lower side walls of the shells as shown in Fig. 3A. This modicd form of abutment is more fully described in my prior Patent No. 2,017,670.

Whether the abutment utilized is of the preferred form or the modified form shown in Fig. 3A, it is thus seen that when the intertting shells are adjusted laterally to the proper position and locked by means of the pin 46 that the protector 20 is effectively supported on the welt 60 so that should any objects be dropped upon the shoe the foot of the wearer would be fully protected from being crushed or otherwise injured due to an inadvertent slipping of the protector from the welt.

For insuring the maintenance of the protector in position on the shoe there is provided a novel yoke member 63 adapted to be inserted under the shank or instep portion 64 of the sole 65, having upstanding side anges 66 and 6T with hooked portions 68 and 69 respectively extending over the welt at opposite sides of the shoe.

Preferably this yoke member 63 is of a width in excess of that of the narrowest part of the shank portion E4 to enable its being easily inserted in position, but is narrower than the forward ball portion 'l0 of the sole and forward portion of the shank so that when pulled forwardly it will wedge against the rear sides of the latter portion. An eTective means for thus pulling the yoke member forwardly is provided by spring connectors 1|, each comprising a coil spring 'I2 havinga button 13 secured to the forward end adapted to be inserted in a suitable button opening 14 and pulled into an associated rearwardly extending slot 'l5 in each olthe side walls of the shells 25 and 26, and having a plate section 'I6 secured at the other end with a loose rivet connection to the respective upstanding side flanges 66 and 61 of the yoke member.

With this advantageous construction the yoke member is urged into wedging engagement with the sole and the protector is held firmly in posi tion on the shoe with the abutments resting upon the welt and drawn inwardly to grip the sides of the shoe upper. It is to be particularly noted that a foot protector constructed in the manner above described may be most easily adjusted to t shoes of diiTerent sizes and that when associated with the shoe may be easily and securely maintained in position by merely inserting or snapping the yoke member under the shank portion of the sole.

If desired, in order to protect the instep portion as well as the toe portion of the foot from injury from falling objects the intertting shells person wearing the protector.

25 and 26 comprising the main shell 2| may be extended rearwardly. Preferably, however, when it is desired to provide a shield for the instep portionof the foot there is provided a second main shell 11, of metal or other rigid material, shaped to provide a chamber 18 to envelope the instep portion of the shoe as shown in Figs. '1 through 9. This instep protecting shell 11, as in the case of the toe protecting shell 2 is formed by a pair of intertting shells '|19 and 80 having a telescoping connection 8| at the top. As also in the case of the intertting shells 25 and 26 lthe telescoping connection comprises a flat section 82 on the shell 19 and a plate 83 which, as shown, may be advantageously connected to the shell 80 by rivets to form with the nat offset top` section 84 thereof a socket 85 adapted to snugly and slidably receive the flat section 82.

For enabling a locking of the intertting shells 10iand 80 relative to each other in divers positions of lateral adjustment there are provided, as with the intertting shells 25 and 26 enveloping the toe portion, a series 86 of holes 81, 88, 89, 9|)A and 9| in offset section 84, a series 86 of holes 81', 88', 89', 90 and 9| in the plate 83 of shell 80 in register with the respective holes in the series 86, and another series 92 of holes 93, 94, 95, 96 and 91 in theV flat section of the other shell 19 disposed at an angle to the registering series 86 and 86 in the shell 80.

Also, a locking pin 98 with a locking groove 99 is provided, adapted to be inserted in position when the intertting shells 19 and 80 are moved laterally relative to each other to bring a selected mating hole in the series 92 in register with mating holes in the series 86 and 86. A U-shaped locking spring |00 may be advantageously secured to the underside of the plate 83 so as to position the spring arms |0| thereof contiguous the series 86' of holes to snap into the groove 99 of the locking pin.

Likewise, as with the intertting shells 25 and 26, there is provided for maintaining the shells 19 and 80 in proper position relative to each other longitudinally, and for guiding them during their lateral movement toward and away from each other, a pair of spaced guide pins |92 and |03 carried between the offset section 84 and platel 83 in the sock-et 85 and movable respectively in transversely extending slots |04 and |95 in the flat section `of the shell 19.

To support the instep protecting shells 19 and 80 there are formed thereon abutting flanges |06 and |01 respectively, which extend inwardly tn rest upon the welt of a shoe similarly to'the abutments 56 and 51 on the toe protecting intertting shells 25 and 26.

In addition, there are also provided on the shells 19 and 80 downwardly extending abutting lugs |08 and |09 respectively adapted to engage with the floor or other walking surface to further support the shells when aA heavy object is dropped thereon. Preferably, these lubs |08 and |09 are of such a length that they are normally main,n tained slightly clear of the walking surface by the fianges |06 and |01 resting on the shoe welt, but are close enough to the walking surface to quickly engage the latter when a heavy object strikes the protecting shells. This construction is advantageous in that it offers a supplementary support that when necessary will positively engage the walking surface, but which normally will be maintained clear thereof so as not to interfere with the walking of the workman or other Preferably the set of flanges |08 and |01 as well as the set of lugs |08 and |09 are used. However, either set oi these lugs may be used alone.

In order that the instep protecting intertting shells 19 and 80 may be maintained in proper re,- lation with the toe protecting interfitting shells 25 and 28 there are provided on the shells 19 and 80 pivot fingers ||0 and Ill adapted to be inserted in` the button openings 14 at the head of the button slots 15 in the shells 25 and 28. With this construction it is seen that a pivotal connection is provided between the toe and instep protectors and |2 so that the latter protector may movel upwardly and downwardly as the shoe sole is flexed during walking.

Also, it is to be particularly noted that when thus pivotally associated the forward portions of the instep protecting shells 19 and 80 are spaced above and slightly overlie the rear portions of the toe protecting shells and 26 so as to provide complete protection for the forward portion of the foot.

It is further seen that the inwardly extending abutting flanges |05 and |01 on the shells 19 and 80 are of such a width as to maintain the side walls of the latter sufficiently clear of the shoe upper to permit the spring connectors 1| to` pass on the inside thereof'.

To associate the two-part protector shown in Figs. 6 through 8 with a shoe the same general operations are entailed as when associating the single protector 20. In addition, it is merely necessary to properly adjust the shells 19 and 80 of the instep protector to the proper spaced relation to be supported on the shoe welt and to grip the shoe upper in the same manner as the shells 25 and 28 of the toe projecting part 29. IThe spring connectors 1| serve effectively maintain both protectors 20 and H2 in position on the shoe. nels 1| may also serve to locate and maintain the second shell 11 relative to the shoe.

If desired, and as shown in Fig. 6, a pivot connection ||3 may be provided between the intertting shells 25 and 28 of the toe protector 20 at the forward end thereof. With such a construction it is possible to disp-ense with the locking pin 49 as the pull of the spring connectors will serve to maintain the abutments and 51 on the' shoe welt and the gripping lugs or iianges r lil in engagement with the sides of the shoe upper.

Variations and modifications may be made within the scope of this invention and portions of the improvements may be used without others.

Having thus described the invention, what is claimed as new is:

1. A foot protector comprising a shaped metal shell; an abutment on said shell adapted to rest upon the welt of a shoe; a yoke member adapted to be inserted under the instep section of the shoe sole; hooks on said yoke member adapted to overlie the welt; and resilient means connecting said yoke member and said shell for urging the latter member forwardly into wedging` engagement with the sole and maintaining the shell in position on a shoe.

2. In a foot protector the combination of a shell of rigid material, shaped to envelope the toe portion of a shoe; an abutment on said shell adapted to rest upon the welt of a shoe; a second shell of rigid material, shaped to envelope the instep portion of a shoe; abutment means on said second shell adapted to rest upon the Welt of a shoe; a pivotal connection between said rst The connectors 1| entering chanand second shells and independent of the shoe; and means for maintaining said shells in position on a shoe.

3. In a foot protector the combination of a shell connectable to and shaped to envelope the toe section of a shoe; an abutment on said shell adapted to rest upon the welt of a shoe; a second shell, shaped to envelope the instep portion of a shoe; a pivotal connection between said first and second shells and independent of the shoe; and means for maintaining said shells on a shoe.

4. In a foot protector the combination of' a pair of interiitting and adjustable members deiining together a shaped shell of rigid material; abutment means on said shell adapted to rest upon the welt of a shoe; means for maintaining said interfitting members in divers positions of adjustment to vary the width of said shell; clamping means for engagement with opposite sides of a shoe sole rearwardly of said shell; and resilient means connecting said clamping means and said shell to maintain the latter in position on a shoe.

5. In a foot protector the combination of a pair of shells; a telescoping connection between said shells, permitting spreading thereof; means for maintaining said shells in divers spread positions relative to each other; abutment means on said shells adapted to rest upon the welt of a shoe; yoke means insertable under the shank portion of the sole of a shoe, having hook portions adapted to overlie the welt of a shoe; and resilient means connecting said yoke means and said shells to maintain the latter in position on a shoe.

6. In a foot protector the combination of a pair of intertting shells, one of said shells having a series of holes and the other of said shells having another series of holes disposed at an angle to said first series; a locking pin insertable in selected holes in said two series for locking said shells together in divers spread positions relative to each other; means on said shells for supporting the latter on the welt of a shoe; and means for maintaining said shells in position on a shoe.

7. In a foot protector the combination of a pair of interi'itting shells, one of said shells having a series of' holes and the other of said shells having another series of holes disposed at an angle to said rst series; a locking spring disposed contiguous one of said series of holes; a locking pin having a spring receiving groove, insertable in selected holes in said two series for locking said shells together in divers spread positions relative to each other; means on said shells for supporting the latter on the welt of a shoe; and means for maintaining said shells in position on a shoe.

8. In a foot protector the combination of a pair of shells; a telescoping connection between said shells for permitting movement thereof laterally toward and away from each other; a pair of pin and slot means spaced longitudinally of the shells for guiding said shells during said lateral movement; means for locking said shells relative to each other in divers lateral positions; abutment means on said shells adapted to rest upon the welt of a shoe; yoke means insertable under the instep portion of the shoe sole for engagement with opposite sides thereof; and resilient means connecting said yoke means and said shells to maintain the latter in position on a shoe.

9. In a foot protector the combination of a pair of intertting shells, movable laterally toward and away from each other; means on said shells adapted to rest upon the welt and to grip the upper of a shoe; means for locking said shells relative to each other in divers lateral positions; clamping means engageable with the sides of the sole of a shoe; and spring means connecting said clamping means and said pair of shells to maintain the latter in position on a shoe.

10. In a foot protector the combination of a pair of interfitting shells movable laterally toward and away from each other; aligned and cooperating ribs on said pair of shells, extending transversely thereof to provide a guide means for Said shells during said lateral movement; means' for locking said shells relative to each other in divers lateral positions; abutment means for resting upon the Welt of a shoe upper; resilient means extending rearwardly from said shells for maintaining the latter in position on a shoe and clamping means engageable with opposite sides of the shoe sole and connected to said resilient means for securing the latter to the shoe.

11. In a foot protector the combination of a shell of rigid material, shaped to envelope the toe portion of a shoe; an abutment on said shell adapted to rest upon the welt of a shoe; a second shell of rigid material, shaped to envelope the instep portion of a shoe; means on said second shell adapted to rest upon the welt of a shoe; means on said second shell positioned to extend beside the welt of a shoe and to engage the walking surface; a pivotal connection between said first and second shells and independent of the shoe; and

means for maintaining said shells in position on a shoe.

12. In a foot protector the combination of a pair of interfitting shells; a pivotal connection between said shells; means on said shells adapted to rest upon the welt of a shoe; clamping means engageable with the shank portion of the sole of a shoe at opposite sides thereof; and resilient means connecting said engaging means and said shells to maintain the latter in position on a shoe.

13. In a foot protector the combination of ay pair of intertting members dening together a shell adapted to envelope the toe portion of a shoe and movable laterally toward and away from each other; means on said members adapted to rest upon the welt of a shoe solo; means for locking said members relative to each other in divers lateral positions; a second pair of intertting members movable laterally toward and away from each other, dening a shell adapted to envelope the instep portion of a shoe and to overlap a portion of said rst named shell; means for locking said last named members in divers lateral positions; pivotal connections between said members in said rst and second named shells; and means for maintaining said shells in position on a shoe.

14. In a foot protector the combination of a pair of intertting shells adapted to envelope the toe portion of a shoe and movable laterally toward and away from each other; means on said shells adapted to rest upon the welt of a shoe; means for locking said pair of shells relative to each other in divers lateral positions; a second pair of intertting shells adapted to envelope the instep portion of a shoe and movable laterally toward and away from each other; means for locking said second pair of shells relative to each other in divers lateral positions; means on said second named shells adapted to engage the walking surface; pivotal connections between said rst and ill) second named pair of shells; yoke means insertable under the shank portion of the sole of a shoe and having hook portions adapted to overlie the welt of a shoe; and resilient means connecing said yoke means and said first named pair of shells for maintaining the latter and said second named pair of shells on a shoe.

l5. In a foot protector the combination of a pair of intertting shells adapted to envelope the toe portion of a shoe and movable laterally toward and away. from each other; means on said shells adapted to rest upon the welt of a shoe; means for locking said pair of shells relative to each other in divers lateral positions; a second pair of intertting shells adapted to envelope the instep portion of a shoe and movable laterally toward and away from each other; means for locking said second pair of shells relative to each other in divers lateral positions; means on said second `named shells adapted to rest upon the welt of a shoe; pivotal connections between said first and second named pairs of shells; and means for maintaining said pair of shells on a shoe.

16. In a foot protector the combination of a pair of intertting shells adapted to envelope the toe portion of a shoe and movable laterally toward and away from each other; means on said shells adapted to rest upon the welt of a shoe; means for locking said pair of shells relative to each other in divers lateral positions; a second pair of intertting shells adapted to envelope the instep portion of a shoe and movable laterally toward and away from each other; means for locking said second pair of shells relative to each other in divers lateral positions; means on said second named shells adapted to engage the walking surface; means on said second named shells adapted to rest upon the Welt of a shoe; pivotal connections between said iirst and second named pairs of shells; means engageable with the shank portion of the sole of a shoe; and resilient means for connecting said engaging means and said rst named pair of shells to maintain the latter on shoe.

17. In a foot protector the combination of a shell connectable to and shaped to envelop the toe section of a shoe; an abutment on said shell adapted to rest upon the Welt of a shoe; a second shell, shaped to envelop the instep portion of a shoe; downwardly projecting means on said second shell adapted to engage the Walking surface; a pivotal connection between said first and second shells and independent of the shoe; and means for maintainnig said shells on a shoe.

18. In a foot protector the combination of a shell connectable to and shaped to envelop the toe section of a shoe; an abutment on said shell adapted to rest upon the welt of a shoe; a second shell, shaped to envelop the instep portion of a shoe; a pivotal connection between said rst and second shells and independent of the shoe; yoke means insertable under the instep portion of a shoe sole for engagement with opposite sides thereof; and resilient means connecting said yoke means and said rst shell for maintaining the latter and said second shell on a shoe.

GEORGE A. MORIARTY. 

